Housing Eligibility Specialist II 32-24 - Housing Authority of The City of Austin

Job Notice

Date Posted: September 4, 2024

Position: Housing Eligibility Specialist II

Starting Rate: $21.30/ hour

Job # 32-24

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Open Until Filled

The Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) is looking for a motivated candidate to join a team that provides affordable housing and services to families and individuals in need of stable housing. The qualified candidate will coordinate service through the Housing Choice Voucher program and other rental assistance programs. HACA has been a leader in affordable housing in the City of Austin for more than 85 years. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, local government entities, and numerous non-profit agencies, HACA provides access to safe, stable housing to over 20,000 individuals.

What you will do in this position:

• Coordinate rental assistance and services for clients in the Housing Choice Voucher program
• Implement the complete leasing cycle for assigned caseload, including issuing vouchers and requesting inspections, through lease-up and ongoing eligibility
• Conduct annual reexaminations, interim reviews, and other certifications, schedule appointments, collect documentation following the verification hierarchy, complete data entry, calculate rent adjustments, and notify residents and property managers of any changes in writing by the required due date
• Perform timely and accurate data entry and maintain organized client records in the digital file storage system in accordance with privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations
• Complete HAP contract execution with property managers, obtain leases, and ensure timely and accurate subsidy payments on the client's behalf in accordance with specific program regulations and deadlines
• Promptly respond to property manager, partner, or client inquiries via phone or email and provide guidance on program policies and procedures to maintain excellent working relationships
• Process clients for termination for program violations, expired vouchers, or voluntary withdrawals which includes obtaining any necessary support documentation
• Initiate fraud investigations and/or program abuse identified through the Enterprise Income Verification System or third party sources
• Prepare monthly reports to advise supervisor of caseload status
• Provide information to clients about available housing options and how to choose quality housing
• Provide clients with resources and referral information needed to work toward self-sufficiency
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

More about this position:

Qualified candidates must possess:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; OR
• Four years related experience and/or training; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred candidates will also possess the following skills and abilities:

• Ability to provide compassionate and professional customer service to clientele of diverse backgrounds
• Strong computer skills (Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, DocuSign, Emphasys ELITE, and Laserfiche)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish, cultivate, and maintain effective working relationships with external partners, clients, and coworkers
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, business English and basic arithmetic
• Knowledge of standard bookkeeping principles, practices, and techniques
• Knowledge of HUD programs, regulatory compliance, the affordable housing industry
• Spanish language proficiency

More about the team:

The HACA Assisted Housing Department is a cohesive and committed team of affordable housing professionals. We work together to uphold the values and commitments of our agency, administer just and impactful programs, and maintain the highest standard of performance and program integrity. The primary task of this department is to administer the Housing Choice Voucher program. Together we support more than 6,000 households and pay more than $70 million in rental assistance every year.

Benefits:

• Paid sick leave, annual leave, birthday leave & federal holidays
• 100% of employee health insurance premiums paid by the agency
• Supplemental health, dental, vision, and life insurance options for employees and family
• 403A retirement plan with employer contributions
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule & Salary:

• Work from home eligible
• 8 hour shift, predictable schedule
• Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00
• $21.30/hour with annual merit increase potential

APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT: Application for the open posted position must be submitted via online at the following website: https://hacanet.applicantpro.com/ However, we will accept applications at the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S. IH-35, Austin, Texas 78704. No applications will be accepted after the noted closing dates on the job announcement. We encourage you to visit our website often to view and apply for vacant positions with the Housing Authority of the City of Austin or sign up for job alerts at our career site. The HACA is a drug-free workplace. A Criminal Background Check including a sex offender registry check. A Driving Record, Texas Driver's License, and a Physical/Drug Screening will be required upon offer of employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER